After that, they’ll head to the Caribbean and South America before hitting South Pacific. The massive ocean liner will then continue its journey to Australia and through Asia, before sailing back to the Mediterranean and Europe.

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Some of the incredible destinations that passengers will be able to visit include the Great Barrier Reef and Machu Picchu, as well as the natural beauty of the Norweigan Fjords and the Amazon rainforest.

There are resident historians and lecturers who will guide travellers at each destination so they can really make the most of it.

Guests can enjoy one of the two on-board pools (Picture: Viking Cruises)

The ship sets sail Sunday (Picture: ARCHIMAGE)

If they’d prefer to stay on the ship, however, they can head to one of the ship’s two pools or its gym, or opt to see something at one of the ship’s two on-board cinemas or their theatre.

Food-wise, there’s eight different dining options to enjoy, with the menu being specially designed to keep some variety on the go, given how long people will be on the cruise. Organisers say they’ve planned ‘delicious, destination-inspired food at the heart of the 680,000-odd meals that will be consumed’.

Not many people could get that amount of annual leave (or have £66k to drop on a holiday), so Viking offer somewhat shorter versions (from 119 days, beginning in Los Angeles and starting from £32,990).

It will return in 2020 (Picture: Viking Cruises)

Food will also be served to match the many destinations been visited (Picture: Viking Cruises)

Included in that – granted fairly steep – price is food, drinks, wifi, excursions, use of the spa facilities, and all entertainment.

Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, said: ‘For more than 20 years we have been committed to connecting travellers to culturally immersive experiences that allow them to explore the world in comfort.

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‘Our Ultimate World Cruise is the most extensive itinerary available in the industry, nearly double the length of our previous world cruise itineraries. I am pleased to offer such a unique experience for our guests.’

Wendy Atkin-Smith, managing director of Viking UK, said: ‘We broke our own Guinness World Record in 2014 when we christened 16 new river ships in one day. We only launched ocean cruises in 2015 so to already be attempting the world record for the longest continuous passenger cruise four years later is remarkable.

‘Everyone at Viking UK is particularly proud and excited that the cruise is setting sail from Greenwich. We can’t wait to hear all our guests’ stories when they get back.’